Tybee Island, Georgia Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Derick Hargrave
Last updated August 23, 2023
Tybee Island Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
The City of Tybee Island defines a Short Term Vacation Rental (STVR) as an accommodation rented to a guest for less than 30 days. Such use may or may not include an on-site manager. The occupancy for overnight usage is limited to two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults for the dwelling identified as existing on the property. Any person over the age of 15 years old will be considered an adult for purposes of this section. See the Tybee Island Short Term Vacation Rentals (STVR) Ordinance for more information.Business License Requirements
STVR properties should complete an application with the City and must have a tax certificate number (business license) unless a company manages the property with a Tybee Business License.Building and Housing Standards
Tybee Island has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult Tybee Island Building Code for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
Short-term vacation rental owners must pay the city's Revenue Department a 7% local hotel/motel tax. The host must pay by the 20th day of the following month. In addition to the city hotel/motel tax, the Georgia Revenue Department must receive the State Use and Sales Tax.Other Rules
STVR owners and managers agree to advise their guests about local regulations, subdivision rules, and beach ordinances as part of Tybee Island's "Good Neighbor Program." STVR owners and managers shall make every effort to ensure that rental guests' usage of the premises does not disrupt the community or infringe on neighboring property owners' rights to the quiet enjoyment of their properties STVR owners must name a local emergency contact person to contact in the event of a malfunction emergency. The local contact must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It must be able to respond to concerns about the condition, operation, or behavior of the renter, as well as take corrective measures to resolve issues quickly. It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the Tybee Island website for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating4.5
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Competition
2.6 -
Real Estate Cost
4.4 -
STR Regulations
4.0 -
Seasonality
3.2 -
Rental Rates
8.5
Tybee Island, Georgia Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 3,114
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- April to May; September to November
- County
- Chatham
- Airports
- Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
- Hilton Head Airport (HHH)
Want to learn more about Tybee Island?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Tybee Island rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Tybee Island rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Tybee Island.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Tybee Island guests.
Interested in other Georgia cities?
Check out the Georgia Airbnb rules directory
What makes Tybee Island a great place to invest?
- Tybee Island Beach - This laid-back beach town offers three miles of pristine beachfront perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Visitors can also take a stroll along the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion, where they'll find shops, restaurants, and a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Tybee Island Light Station and Museum - This historic lighthouse has been in operation since 1732 and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and explore the museum, which tells the story of the lighthouse's history and the island's maritime heritage.
- Fort Pulaski National Monument - This Civil War-era fort is a must-visit for history buffs. Visitors can take a guided tour, explore the fort's exhibits, and learn about the role it played in the Civil War.
- Little Tybee Island - Accessible only by boat, this undeveloped barrier island offers a chance to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the island's pristine beaches and wetlands.
- Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours - Tybee Island is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. Visitors can take a guided tour to see these majestic creatures up close, and learn about their habitat and behaviors.
- Fishing Charters - Tybee Island is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, with a variety of charters available for deep sea, inshore, and fly fishing. Visitors can catch everything from tarpon to redfish to shark, and enjoy a day on the water with experienced guides.
- Tybee Island Marine Science Center - This interactive museum and education center offers hands-on exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages. Guests can learn about the marine life that inhabits the surrounding waters, and participate in activities like touch tanks and guided beach walks.
Tybee Island Nearby Cities
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- Rating: 5.5
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- Rating: 4.3
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Tybee Island?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Tybee Island has increased 2% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $466, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$635,101
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Median per Square Foot
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$466
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Average Monthly Rent
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$2,849
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Tybee Island, Georgia
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Tybee Island has a description approximately 2,551 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 2,967 listings in Tybee Island, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Tybee Island, Beach, Pool, Vacation Rentals, Days, Perfect, Tybee, Flat screen, Balcony, and Year.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Tybee Island?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Tybee Island involve going to the Beach, Boating, Surfing, Eco Tourism, and Jet Skiing. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Beach
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Boating
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Surfing
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Eco Tourism
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Jet Skiing
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Cycling
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Museums
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Kayaking
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Marina
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Swimming
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Wind Surfing
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Wildlife Viewing
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Tybee Island, including Tybee Island Beach, Coligny Beach, Coligny Plaza, Back River Beach, and Savannah State University. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Regional Landmark
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Tybee Island Beach
Included on 63% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Tybee Island Fishing Pier and Pavilion
Included on 63% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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North Beach
Included on 63% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Harbour Town Golf Links
Included on 62% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Harbour Town Lighthouse
Included on 62% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Coligny Beach
Included on 62% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Coligny Plaza
Included on 62% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Included on 62% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Ocean Course at The Sea Pines Resort
Included on 62% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Bonaventure Cemetery
Included on 54% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Savannah State University
Included on 44% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Back River Beach
Included on 37% of listings
What’s the weather like in Tybee Island, Georgia?
The weather is generally warmer than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 75°, while the average low is about 61°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 40 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is scarce, with an average year having no snowfall. The humidity levels in Tybee Island are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
47° Low 62° High
Spring
March through May
60° Low 74° High
Summer
June through August
75° Low 87° High
Fall
September through November
63° Low 76° High
Cities Near Tybee Island
Tybee Island, Georgia, is located in Chatham County. Some cities that are located nearby include: